John grew up in Burnsville, Minnesota and joined the United States Air Force after high school. He became a Christian in his twenties when, upon returning from the Persian Gulf War, he was stationed in Bitburg, Germany and working as an Undercover Narcotics Agent with the Office of Special Investigations. After being honorably discharged, he attended Crown College where he met Kathi and married her (even though she is an avid Packers fan). John and Kathi have three awesome children; Josh, Sara, Katie, and one awesome black lab named Hunter. John enjoys riding his Harley, snowmobiling, tinkering on his Mustang GT convertible, playing hockey, and mentoring other leaders. Kathi enjoys entertaining guests and playing volleyball. Both of them enjoy spending time with their children, dining with friends, and going on family vacations.

​Their son Josh was diagnosed with Leukemia when he was younger. “It was the lowest point in my life,” John says, “But Josh's battle with cancer helped me to understand grace, mercy, and healing, in a whole new light.” God graciously healed Josh of his leukemia and now he has a clean bill of health.

John’s favorite verse is John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” He is passionate about living and says that he tries to make the most out of every day through authentically living out his faith.  This shows in his commitment to disciple others. John says: “I never get tired of challenging people to take the next step in their spiritual journey.” His favorite authors include anything by Jim Collins, Warren Bird, Patrick Lencioni, Andy Stanley, Ed Stetzer, and Larry Osborne. John is mentored by Leith Anderson, whom he greatly admires.

John has a B.A. in Pastoral Ministry and an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Crown College. He also earned a Doctorate of Ministry in Executive Leadership for Larger Organizations from Bethel University. He is ordained with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and with International Ministerial Fellowship.